Carmelo Anthony: Chicago Bulls Consider Trading Joakim Noah in Deal for Star

According to ESPNChicago.com, "The Chicago Bulls are interested in trading for the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony and are discussing internally including Joakim Noah as part of the deal, according to a league source."

The report also notes that the Denver Nuggets are afraid to take back Luol Deng in any deal with the Bulls, considering his long-term deal with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement looming.

Although Carmelo Anthony is by far the more skilled player, Joakim Noah is known as the voice and leader of the Bulls. His energy and heart, coupled with improved conditioning, proved vital for the Bulls as they made it to back to back playoff appearances.

Noah, who averaged 10.7 PPG along with 11.0 RPG last season, is still a fairly young player. At 25, he is due $3.1 million next season. However, he becomes a Restricted Free Agent after the 2010-2011 season.

Noah and the Bulls have been discussing a new contract agreement all offseason, but nothing has been put in stone.

Getting Noah wouldn't make much sense for the Nuggets. They already have Nene, who is due over $10 million, at the five. Getting Noah would create a log-jam at the Center position for the Nuggets. However, trading Nene back to the Bulls would give the Bulls a viable replacement and an option at the five.

Many Bulls fans would hate to have the team part ways with Noah, but if it means getting one of the leading scorers in the NBA, many of those fans would give in.

Getting Anthony would make the Bulls instant title contenders. The real question is: Will the Bulls trade away the vocal leader and heart of the team?

With the way this offseason has played out, anything is possible.